Job Description

Search Institute is looking for a mission-driven and detail-oriented Finance Manager/Controller to play a pivotal role in advancing our work with youth-serving organizations nationwide.

Location:  St. Paul, MN (Hybrid)

LOCATION: Our office is located in St. Paul, MN. We welcome local applications with work privileges currently residing in the United States. Our team operates with a flexible hybrid model, offering a healthy work-life balance while encouraging in-person collaboration about one day per week.

HOW TO APPLY : Apply for this position at  . To be considered, you must complete the application questions, submit a resume, and submit a cover letter detailing your interest in this position and Search Institute.

We know that work is more satisfying when it is connected to making a difference in the world. Search Institute is a nonprofit applied research organization that believes each   young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. Understanding how systems of access, opportunity, justice, and power intersect with our mission is essential to doing good and meaningful work. We tackle the complex challenge of creating innovative, evidence-based tools and resources through rigorous research and authentic partnerships with practitioners. Search Institute provides high-quality workshops, surveys, publications, and technical assistance to those working with and supporting positive youth development.

We pride ourselves on being both mission-driven and employee-centered. Our team fosters a welcoming, inclusive culture where collaboration and creativity thrive. At Search Institute, every team member’s contribution is valued and supported. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as a 403(b) retirement plan.

Compensation: $95,000–$115,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications (e.g., CPA, federal grant experience).

Position Summary :

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Finance Manager/Controller is responsible for Search Institute’s management of financial systems, including accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls. The Manager of Finance/Controller manages both organization-wide and project based financial reports, grant financial requirements and reporting, and tax and regulatory filings. The Finance Manager/Controller also works with the COO on financial planning and fiscal strategy.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Accounting and Financial Management

• Generate timely monthly, quarterly, yearly and project specific financial reports in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) with the support of our contracted accounting team.
• Oversee annual financial audit activities and ensure compliance with government and donor regulations with the support of our contracted accounting team.
• Oversee financial reporting of US Government grants and NICRA (negotiated indirect cost rate agreement) maintenance with the support of our contracted accounting team.
• Oversee our contracted state regulatory and charity renewals.
• Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls, and efficient financial systems and financial procedures.
• Ensure that transactions and financial decisions adhere to grantor regulations and regulatory requirements.
• With the COO, report quarterly on the state of financials to the Board of Trustees.
• Support the COO and work with staff to create and manage the annual organizational budget.
• Assist in development of budgets for grant and contract proposals.
• Work with the COO to develop and utilize forward-looking, predictive models and financial analysis.
• Work with the COO on financial planning, analysis and forecasting with scenarios.
• Optimize the handling of cash flow.
• Oversee the expense and purchasing guidelines, including the corporate credit card program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills Requirements :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Educational and Professional Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent required, CPA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of five years experience of progressive, relevant accounting experience.
• Experience with accounting software.
• Strong knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). 

Experience Requirements :

• Demonstrated interest and commitment to Search Institute’s mission.
• Client side audit experience.
• Experience managing financial reporting of nonprofit grants, including US Government grants, strongly preferred.
• Experience with NetSuite ERP preferred.
• Experienced in Internal controls management preferred.
• Intermediate level experience in Excel. 
• Investment reporting experience preferred.
• Ability to design and develop accounting systems and procedures.
• Cultural and diversity competency.
• Represent Search Institute in a positive and professional manner in all settings.
• Ability to pass a criminal and financial background check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK CONDITIONS:

• This job is primarily sedentary with intermittent physical activity including standing, bending, reaching and lifting up to 30 lbs
• Ability to travel

Job Tags

Contract work, Local area, Flexible hours, 1 day per week,

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